Vaccination against classical influenza in health-care workers: self-protection and patient protection.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Health-care workers are at risk of occupational exposure to influenza and can also transmit the disease to their patients. METHODS: Selective literature review and description of the influenza vaccination program at the Frankfurt University Hospital. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Many studies demonstrate that influenza vaccination for health-care workers lowers morbidity and mortality in their patients. Official immunization recommendations and free, voluntary immunization programs for health-care workers have been in existence for many years. Nevertheless, influenza vaccination rates are unacceptably low. Therefore, mandatory vaccination ought to be considered. In addition, infection-control measures (covering the mouth and nose with a mask, meticulous hand disinfection) should be rigorously observed in the hospital to prevent the nosocomial transmission of influenza and other infectious diseases. Vaccination rates might be improved if health-care workers were made aware that they themselves face a risk of infection.